The Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet memories bloom whenever chocolate cherry cookies dance across my kitchen counter.

Childhood whispers return with each carefully crafted morsel.

Rich cocoa mingles seamlessly with bursts of tart cherries, creating a delightful symphony of flavors.

Delicate yet robust, these cookies promise more than mere dessert.

My grandmother’s secret techniques breathe life into every batch.

Crisp edges and soft centers invite you to savor each delectable bite.

Trust me, you won’t be able to resist these irresistible treats.

Reasons to Love Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Flavor Explosion: Decadent chocolate cookies paired with tangy cherry ganache create an irresistible taste combination that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Impressive Presentation: Professional-looking cookies that appear sophisticated yet are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Freezer and refrigerator-friendly recipe allows preparing dough and components in advance, making party prep or unexpected guest entertaining stress-free.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Creates rich, tender cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie caramelization.
• Egg Yolks: Provides moisture and helps bind ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.

• Chocolate: Forms creamy ganache base with deep chocolate notes.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, silky ganache texture.
• Cherry Preserves: Adds fruity, sweet-tart flavor to chocolate ganache.

Chocolate Cherry Cookie Baking in Easy Steps

Step 1: Whip Up Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until perfectly blended.

Set this chocolatey mixture aside for later magic.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

Whip these ingredients on high speed until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Elements

Add egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture.

Mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the batter looks light and irresistibly smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing on low speed.

Stir just until everything comes together without overmixing.

Step 5: Form Cookie Balls

Scoop dough into 32 portions using a cookie scoop.

Roll each portion into a perfect ball and create a gentle indent in the center using a 1/4 teaspoon.

Step 6: Chill Cookie Dough

Place cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Refrigerate for 1 hour to help them hold their shape.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Arrange chilled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 8 per sheet.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake for 9-11 minutes.

Once out of the oven, quickly press centers again with a 1/4 teaspoon if indents have puffed up.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 10: Create Chocolate Cherry Ganache

• Chop chocolate into a medium bowl
• Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until nearly boiling
• Pour hot cream over chocolate and stir until smooth
• Mix in cherry preserves until well combined

Step 11: Assemble Final Treat

Spoon about a teaspoon of ganache into each cookie’s center.

Chill assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set the ganache.

Cherry Cookie Tips for Chocolaty Goodness

• Refrigerate cookie dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and ensure a thick, chewy texture.
• Use a 1/4 teaspoon or small circular cookie cutter to reshape cookies while they're still warm for a professional look.
• Adjust the cherry preserves quantity to control the tartness and fruity flavor of the chocolate ganache.
• Bring butter and eggs to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly combined dough.
• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain their texture and prevent sticking.

Reheat Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Alternatively, place in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to refresh texture.
• Avoid storing cookies with ganache at room temperature for extended periods to prevent spoilage. Always refrigerate to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Perfect Bites with Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Pair with Decadent Red Wine: Indulge in a glass of rich Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the deep chocolate and cherry flavors, enhancing the cookie's luxurious taste profile.
• Serve with Creamy Vanilla Chai: Brew a warm, spiced chai latte with extra vanilla to balance the intense chocolate and provide a soothing, aromatic counterpoint to the cookies.
• Match with Smooth Espresso Martini: Create a sophisticated cocktail pairing featuring espresso, vodka, and a touch of cherry liqueur that mirrors the cookie's complex flavor notes.
• Accompany with Almond Milk Twist: Offer cold, slightly sweetened almond milk to soften the chocolate's richness and provide a delicate, nutty undertone that complements the cherry ganache.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Bold Modifications

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Treats: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg yolks with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate for a plant-based version that maintains the rich flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Bites: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown and granulated sugars, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the cookies deliciously sweet.
• Nut-Free Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Swap almond flour with oat flour if using a gluten-free option, and ensure all ingredients are certified nut-free for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make these chocolate cherry cookies unique?

The key ingredients are cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor, brown sugar for depth, and cherry preserves in the ganache for a fruity twist that complements the chocolate base.

• Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

While an electric mixer helps create a fluffier texture, you can use a hand whisk and some arm strength. Just ensure the butter and sugars are thoroughly creamed and the egg yolks are well incorporated.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

The cookies are done when the edges look set and slightly dry, typically after 9-11 minutes. They might seem slightly soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.

• Is the chilling step really necessary for these cookies?

Yes, chilling is crucial. It helps the cookies maintain their shape, prevents spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to develop. The initial 1-hour chill before baking and the 10-15 minute chill after ganache filling are both important steps.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate cherry cookies bring irresistible Mediterranean dessert magic to classic baking traditions. Juicy cherries and rich chocolate create a delightful harmony you cannot resist, promising pure indulgence in every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter
• 5 ounces (142 g) dark chocolate
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (90 ml) heavy cream

Stabilizers and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dry mixture by whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating until smooth and airy.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to create a cohesive dough.
5. Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into 32 equal balls. Create a small indent in the center of each ball using a 1/4 teaspoon.
6. Refrigerate cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1 hour to firm up.
7. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange chilled cookies on baking sheets, spacing them appropriately.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching carefully. Immediately re-press centers with a 1/4 teaspoon if they have puffed up.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Create ganache by placing chopped chocolate in a medium bowl.
11. Heat heavy cream until it nearly boils, then pour over chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.
12. Blend cherry preserves into the chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.
13. Carefully spoon ganache into the center of each cooled cookie.
14. Refrigerate assembled cookies for 10-15 minutes to set the ganache.

Notes

• Softening butter beforehand ensures smooth, evenly mixed cookie dough without lumps or uneven texture.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookies’ shape during baking, creating a more compact and structured result.
• Using high-quality cocoa powder and fresh cherries elevates the flavor complexity, transforming standard cookies into gourmet treats.
• For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurement proportions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 242
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg